Arb Aus & Head Start Victoria 

Case Study 1:  

Investing in the Future of Arboriculture: Why Yarra Tree Services believes taking on a Head Start student is worth it 

For Justin, owner of Yarra Tree Services, employing a Head Start student isn't just about filling a position—it's about investing in the future of the arboriculture industry. 

Having taken on students before, Justin understands the important role businesses can play in helping young people make the transition from school into the workforce. 

"There's a big gap between school and work, and that transition can be difficult. Programs like Head Start help bridge that gap and give students the support they need to succeed."

When selecting a student, Justin isn't looking for someone who already knows everything about arboriculture. Instead, he looks for qualities that can't be taught. 

"We're looking for students with a grounded upbringing, a good mindset, who are motivated and have goals. Skills can be taught, but attitude is everything."

Justin believes arboriculture businesses have an opportunity—and a responsibility—to help shape the next generation of professionals. Young people entering the industry are highly impressionable, making positive workplace culture and strong role models incredibly important. 

"Students can be easily influenced, so it's important they're surrounded by good role models who demonstrate professionalism, safety and pride in their work."

Declan Lyons joined Yarra Tree Services through the Head Start program after initially exploring a career in the automotive industry. A work experience placement introduced him to arboriculture, and Justin immediately recognised his potential. He was offered a School-Based Apprenticeship, completed his Certificate III in Arboriculture while finishing Year 12, and developed into a highly capable up and coming arborist through the structured training and mentoring provided by the Yarra Tree Services team.  

Justin believes one of the keys to successfully employing school-based apprentices is creating an environment where students are challenged, but not overwhelmed. 

"It's about creating supported opportunities and steady progression. You don't want to set students up to fail—you want them to experience success and always be able to see what they're working towards."

His previous teaching experience has helped him understand how young people learn and develop confidence in the workplace, but he believes any business can provide a rewarding experience with the right approach and support. 

Today, Declan is continuing his career with another arboriculture business—something Justin says is a natural part of the industry's training pathway. 

"Like many apprentices, once they're qualified they'll often move to another company to gain different experiences or take on new opportunities. We encourage that. The more exposure they get to different businesses, techniques and crews, the better arborists they become. It's good for them, and ultimately it's good for the industry."

Looking back, Justin says participating in Head Start has been a positive experience for both his business and the broader arboriculture profession. 

"Head Start is a great initiative. It gives students a genuine pathway into our industry while giving businesses the opportunity to help develop the next generation of skilled arborists."

Case Study 2:  

Building the Next Generation of Arborists 

When Precision Environmental was looking to grow its team, Director James Lawton wasn't just looking for another employee—he wanted the opportunity to develop someone from the very beginning of their career. 

"We wanted someone who was young, interested in the trade and willing to learn," James explained. "We were initially looking at university or TAFE students so we could see whether they were a good fit before making a long-term commitment. Then we heard about taking on a School-Based Apprentice through Head Start and realised it would work really well." 

The decision has proven to be a positive one for both the business and the student. 

"It's been a straightforward process. The school and Head Start have been really easy to deal with and have taken care of everything in the background. We've simply had to focus on employing and mentoring Jacob. It's been overwhelmingly positive." 

For James, one of the greatest benefits is being able to invest in the future of both his business and the arboriculture industry. 

"We'll have a future full-time employee ready to go once he's finished school. It's also rewarding to give back to a young person, just as others invested their time in training me when I was starting out." 

He believes businesses considering employing a school-based apprentice should first ensure the program is the right fit for their workplace, then focus on providing the support apprentices need to succeed. 

"Don't expect them to know everything straight away. Every apprentice starts from a different place, so it's important to build on what they already know. Having someone with good habits who enjoys teaching and mentoring makes a huge difference." 

James also credits Head Start with making the employment process simple. 

"It's been great having an organisation that looks after all the work in the background for the apprentice. There's less administration for us to worry about, so we can concentrate on providing a great learning environment." 

For Jacob, the opportunity to complete Year 12 while starting a career in arboriculture was exactly what he was looking for. 

"I wanted to finish Year 12 while completing a trade qualification." 

Since joining Precision Environmental through the Head Start program, Jacob has been able to develop practical skills in a real workplace while continuing his studies. 

"Being able to go to work means I can be shown how it's done, what to do the right way, and learn in person." 

He describes the experience as "great" and says the transition into both work and training has been easy. 

When asked what advice he would give other students considering an SBAT in arboriculture, his message is simple: 

"Just try it. Work hard at it. Try your best." 

The partnership between Precision Environmental and Head Start demonstrates how businesses can help shape the next generation of arborists while strengthening their own future workforce. By combining school, training and meaningful workplace experience, students like Jacob gain practical skills, confidence and a clear pathway into a rewarding career, while employers have the opportunity to mentor and develop the skilled professionals the industry needs. 

Thinking about taking on a Head Start student?

By registering your business with Arboriculture Australia, you'll let Head Start students know you're open to providing workplace opportunities that can help launch a rewarding career in arboriculture. Today's student could become tomorrow's valued team member.